We All Need Somebody To Lean On

Whether it's through blogging or posting on discussion boards, our resources and ability to lean on other runners/athletes for support is infinite. When I was at my most heightened point of frustration with my injury, I turned to a Runners World discussion board for support. It was a few days after my initial diagnosis when I found one of the longest and largest discussions in under the "injury" section titled "torn labrum in hip". The discussion was initiated in September of 2004 and has about 2,098 posts and over 110,000 views. Of course, I have not read the entire discussion, but I have followed the stories of a few of the more frequent runners who have posted. I have also posted there, seeking advice.

When my PT and Doctor gave me the nod for surgery, my PT (in the presence of my Doctor) told me that I would be "underwhelmed" with the recovery. So, I had myself taking tomorrow (surgery day) and Wednesday off with the idea that I might be able to return to work on Thursday. However, I'm starting to think that taking a few more days off might be a better option after reading a response from another runner who has gone through the same surgery. I have posted his suggestions to me (from the discussion board) below,

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TheRunnerChick, I live in NYC so I can give you some advice. The CPM machine only bends your knee and hip to a certain degree determined by the doctor. Although it does look a bit crazy the motion it does is very simple. While you should be able to strap yourself into it you won't be able to lift it so someone will have to set it up for you. I did wear a hip brace. It's not too bad. THe first week really is the hardest...is there someone who can help you for the first week or two? At least drop by and do basic household things and help you out?
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As for getting around NYC: I assume you have a week or two to just rest. You will need it most likely. You definitely do not want to go crutching around NYC in the first week even if you're feeling good. One, you don't want to overdo it and two if you are in a crowded area you definitely do not want anyone bumping into you. I would not attempt the subway on crutches. Wait until you are off of them...just not worth the risk of hurting yourself especially if you're by yourself. You could probably manage the bus, but it's hard because although you are on crutches you still really have to be careful not to overdo it and prolong your hip recovery. I took taxis. Yes, expensive, but I wasn't taking them often and it was the best way for me to get around. I am in school and I live about 3 blocks from school so I would go there and back. When I needed PT, doctor's appts, etc...I took cabs. My groceries were delivered from Fresh Direct and I had roommates in and out if I needed something. I did have to do a lot on my own and it's struggle, but hang in there, take it slow, and know that you will be frustrated at some points, but it will work out. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck!!

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So maybe my original plan needs to be tweaked just a bit?? I suppose I won't really know what I this recovery is going to be like until I'm at that point, but I think the advice of "taking it slow" is something we can all benefit from when on a come back mission (like me).

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Anyway, just wanted to promote sharing (again). I plan to continue posting on the Runners World discussion board as well as my blog to keep everyone posted on my progress. I promise not to make every post about me (because that's boring). If you know other runners who could benefit from more information on this injury, forward them to my blog or to the discussion boards on runners world. I know there are other helpful resources out there too, so if you would like to share them, please add a comment to this post.

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Godspeed, mighty runners!

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- TRC

BEAR IT ALL!

I don't know if anyone saw the Grey's Anatomy premiere last Thursday. I can't tell you how many times I gagged watching it! It was gross, but GREAT! Well, I might be the only one who still watches that show, but I couldn't help bringing it up since one of the main story lines has to do with a bear attack (or in the Grey's episode, the ugly aftermath). Coincidentally, the interview below by Runners World is with Johan Otter, marathon runner and bear attack survivor! However his is a story with a triumphant outcome. And darn straight you better believe that being a runner helped Johan survive!

I hope that no one reading this ever finds themselves in such an awful situation. But in our own little way, we're all survivors! Of course we are, we have to be, it's what keeps us coming back for more!

Keep on surviving my dear runner friends.. and stay safe! :)





3:30.. not too shabby. Great Job Johan!

BOSTON 2008!

It's taper time for all you Boston 2008 participants out there and here's a little preview courtesy of Bart Yasso and Runners World to help get your psyched for the big day (as if you aren't already psyched enough!!). I must warn you though, Bart seems a little confused in the video and although he mentions that the Boston Marathon is "this weekend", this is definitely a preview for the 2008 Boston Marathon which is not until Marathon Monday April 21, 2008. Maybe this was just an editing snafu!!

And the only other comment I have is that the footage of "runners village" in Hopkinton must have been taken at the 2007 marathon since it looks like a rainy sloppy mess. Let's hope the weather is not like this come this Marathon Monday!! My experience of runners village was much more enjoyable.. and dryer! It's always best to prepare for the worst but hope the best. Here's hoping for unbelievably perfect running weather in Boston come April 21st!

So, is anyone out there thinking of heading up to watch the woman's trails? I'm contemplating braving a trip on the fung wah to go catch this event. It's sure to be one exciting race!

Crazy Laces - Take 2

Back in February I posted "Crazy Laces" and blogged about how I tie my shoes. I also embedded a video which showed how I do this and why. Well, I'm not sure if any of you have also stumbled across this great resource, but check this resourceful article from Runnersworld.com which shows not one, not two, but FIVE videos of various ways to tie your laces to solve common discomfort problems. A little lace change goes a long way... simply amazing!

Here's just one of the five video's which poses a solution to the problem:
"MY SHOE RUBS ONE SPOT ON THE TOP OF MY FOOT."

The Solution offered:
Eliminate pressure on a "hot spot" by lacing around it, not directly over it.



For more lace tying techniques click HERE !!!

Modified Fasting & NutritonData.com

Did anyone see the article on the Runner's World Daily blog about how to lose weight by "pigging out"? Does this idea sound ridiculous to anyone else?





If you chose to read more of the RW blog post it re-directs you to the site, NutritionData.com. It's there that you can read on to discover that this idea of intermittent fasting DOES seem to work for some people (best results were from obese individuals). But even after reading the rest of the article and information on the small studies conducted to test this idea, I still don't think it's necessary for the average active and (generally) healthy eating individual. As athletes we need well balanced nutrition to become "well oiled and properly fueled machines". I'm not an expert in this field, but I'm also not sure that the "stop and go" signals of modified fasting will send the best message to your body. I have always received the best results (mentally and physically) when I have been able to get myself on a regular structured and well regulated nutritional schedule. Not that sticking to the one day "20% few calorie-fast" & one day "pig out" isn't establishing a routine that your body will eventually become accustomed to, but it just doesn't seem like the most optimal way to lose weight while maintaining the proper energy and fuel stores your body needs to train, perform and recover. Distance runner, "steve" posted an interesting comment on this topic. If you have a second, give it a look and let me know what you think.

So, while I was on NutritionData.com, I decided to take a look around. This site was actually recommended to me by a coworker a little over a year ago. I had checked it out at the time, but I knew I didn't posses the patience it would take to register and update my pantry to use the more in depth nutrition analysis tools it offers. No way, Jose! But the site does contain some fantastic resources and a few tools I can see myself using more regularly such as the needs calculator.

So, despite the fact that I'm not diving into the world of calorie counting and I'm also not planning to start a modified fasting regimine anytime soon, I must climb up on my soap box to say how important it is that we all give our due diligence to the topic of proper nutrition. When it comes to learning about how we can better fuel ourselves, our resources are seemly endless. It's more about finding what works best for you and sticking to it. Good luck!

Training Schedule Week#2 -(Feb 25-March 2):
Monday: Rest... fighting off a cold!
Tuesday: AM: YOGA PM: RUNNYC - 6miles - 4 X 20 sec striders
Wednesday: AM: 5miles
Thursday: PM: I heart NYC run 6-7miles
Friday: AM: YOGA, PM: Women's self defense/cardio kickbox class-55mins
followed by 2mile run
Saturday: 5 miles, 4 X 20 sec striders
Sunday: 8miles
Total: 32 miles + YOGA + 55min kickboxing

Crazy Laces

The other night one of my girlfriends asked me why my laces were tied funny. To be honest, I've been tying my laces the same way for so many years that I completely forgot I was doing anything apart from the norm. The reason I started lacing up this way was because my college coach had recommended it after I started having issues with my ankles. So, today I noticed that Runner's World had a video posted which give instructions on tying your laces in this particular way and I wanted to share. Why? Well, because sharing is caring. Happy Saturday!



And btw, I just want to say how happy I am to be home here in NY this weekend. It was so nice to get out and do one of my local weekend runs... and then just relax the rest of the day. I got to sleep in for once and just chill out! A bit on the lazy side, but I think I needed it. Tomorrow I'm heading over to talk to Coach Cane at City Coach about my potential life as a triathlete. :) stay tuned!

Today's Training: 5.6miles

How far is a Marathon?

This morning, I happened upon this RunnersWorld forum, Idiotic things Non-runners say about running. You have to read it, it's fantastic! As runners, triathletes or just simply adrenaline junkies, we've all had heard crazy things from our non-exercising friends, family members or co-workers (regarding our exercising habits). Comments such as, "How far is THIS marathon?" or "Why would you run? you can get there so much faster in a car.". Then there's the occasional public service announcement such as, "well, you know you're going to have really bad knees if you keep this up". Personally, from my mom I always get, "When are you going to just give it a rest?" and from Dad its, "Are you crazy? Isn't running in this cold weather really bad for your heart and lungs?" :)

Well... stay "crazy" out there! ...And have fun reading this forum!

Today's training: 5-6 miles with RUNNYC! Followed by 4 striders.

Hurry up and Rest!

JuST ANoTheR MANIC Monday!

I was ever so fortunate enough to get back into NYC around 2am this morning (ugh!), which made me feel like a zombie at work today. Luckily, I've decided to take today as a training-recovery day. Yes, even a"killah woman" like myself needs a day of rest.

Depending on where you are in your training or what your level of fitness may be, you should designate one day a week (bi-weekly for some over achievers) to rest. Your "rest" days do not have to be completely filled with hours reading books and watching TV. In other words, they don't have to be stagnet. Actually, it would be best to fill them with some very light activity (other than your normal training).

Recovery days are extremely important for allowing your muscles to rest and rebuild. This Runners World article, Rest Easy, is a bit dated but has some good information on the benefits of rest or recovery days. In the article, Dr. Bryan Heiderscheit who heads the University of Wisconsin Medical School's Runner's Clinic states, "It's when you're not running that the muscle rebuilds itself and becomes stronger" He goes on to say, "If recovery is insufficient, you'll break down more than you build up." The article goes on to give a few tips on "making the most of your down time".

I'm happy to say that every coach I've ever ran for has preached this philosophy and therefore I have adopted the value of having "off" days and I try my hardest to make the best of them. Like tonight, I plan to go home immediately after work, eat, unwind, foam roll (I'll revisit this topic later!), stretch a bit and then get my butt into bed.... because I'm friggin' exhausted!

Good night and happy recovery!

The Right Shoe For You

As I've already mentioned on this blog, I'm a bit of an ASICS fan (as far as running shoes go). I've tried Saucony's, Mizuno's, Nike's, Brooks, New Balance in the past, but I always end up coming back to my tried and true, ASICS. I'm currently running in my third pair of ASICS 1120's and I'm more than happy to stick with this model. However, it seems as though ASICS is no longer manufacturing it and has now moved on to the "1130". It okay though, I've had my heart broken before when I lost the ASICS 1090 and the old-old Kayano's... but all good (running shoe) things eventually do come to an end. I fully understand how it's not always easy to stay true to "your shoe" especially since most running shoe manufactures are constantly changing and "improving" (sometimes debatable) their models.

So, (if like me) you find yourself on the hunt for a new solid pair of running shoes, here are a few tips I'd like to share to help you find your next pair.

If you are a more experienced runner and know what your feet crave, check out this helpful Shoe Finder tool from the Runner's World Shoe Lab. I think it's an excellent way to help you find what's new and highly rated out there on the market. But for our lesser experienced runners, before you go guessing that your feet need more "stability" over "cushioning", I recommend visiting your local running specialty store for advice. Side note, this is my all time favorite specialty running store, the Bryn Mawr Running Company.

Running specialty stores allow you the opportunity to speak with actual runners who are better trained on the pros/cons of each brand/model....way more so than your average Footlocker or Modells salesperson. Most running specialty stores talk specifically with you about your running history, training goals and will examine your last pair of running shoes to see where they took the most beating in order to make a sound suggestion. And honestly, I always need to try new shoes on since just because they sound great and have received great reviews does not mean your feet, knees and/or entire body will love them.

Runners World has some great articles and helpful info & suggestions courtesy of their RunnersWorld Shoe Lab. It's an wonderful starting point as you being your search for your new "sole" mate :)!

Here's a video on their best rated shoes for winter 2008. Best of luck searching!